Knowledge About COVID-19 Symptoms, Transmission, and Prevention: The Relationship With Cognitive Status in Older Adults. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goldstein, Felicia C.; Saurman, Jessica L.; Rodriguez, Amy D.; Vickers, Kayci L.
• Is Part Of: Gerontology & geriatric medicine. Volume 8(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Coronavirus -- mild cognitive impairment -- protective behaviors -- knowledge -- cognitive assessment; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97005
• DOI: 10.1177/23337214221123708
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2333-7214

Abstract

Objective: Advanced age poses an increased risk for cognitive impairment, and therefore, poor knowledge regarding the risks associated with COVID-19 may confer vulnerability. We administered a COVID-19 Knowledge Questionnaire to older persons to evaluate the association between knowledge regarding public health recommendations, and cognitive status as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).Method: Ninety-nine participants completed a 22-item questionnaire about COVID-19 symptoms, risks, and protective strategies, and they also completed the MoCA. Associations between knowledge and cognitive status were examined via Spearman correlations.Results: The mean (SD) age of participants was 72.6 (7.6) years, and MoCA scores averaged 23.4 (4.5) points. Higher MoCA total scores were significantly ( p < .001) correlated with a greater number of correct questionnaire responses. Higher Orientation and Memory Index scores were moderately associated with an increased number of correct responses ( p < .001), with the Executive Index exhibiting a significant albeit weaker association. MoCA Index scores assessing attention, language, and visuospatial functioning were not significantly associated with COVID-19 knowledge.Conclusions: Given the rapid transmission rate of the SARS CoV-2 infections, COVID knowledge lapses will likely have deleterious repercussions. Public health messages should ensure effective acquisition and retention of COVID specific information, especially in cognitively compromised older adults.